As Washington grapples with a growing child care crisis, voters are demanding action. With soaring costs and limited access to care, families are struggling, and the need for bold, immediate investment has never been clearer. Recent polling shows a strong majority of Washington voters support significant reforms to make child care more affordable and accessible.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, parents are under unprecedented pressure. Many parents report experiencing significant stress compared to other adults, often struggling with time demands, financial instability, and the health and safety of their children.

The intersection between child welfare and child well-being was brought into sharp focus at the Regional Forum on Child Welfare Transformation: Supporting Families During Pregnancy and Early Childhood we attended in Tacoma, WA in early September 2024.

With the new school year here, families across Washington are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. Amid these preparations, ensuring that children are up to date on their vaccinations is especially important.